hypnosis

noun

hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs 

plural hypnoses hip-ˈnō-ˌsēz 

1

: a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject

2

: any of various conditions that resemble sleep

3

: hypnotism sense 1

Synonyms

• hypnotism
• mesmerism

Examples of hypnosis in a Sentence

He underwent hypnosis to treat his fear of water.

While under hypnosis, she described the horrific accident in detail.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bilingual and results-driven, the RESET Method blends neuroscience, therapeutic hypnosis, and personal development into a practical path to inner freedom. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 May 2025

In early March 2024, McIlroy experimented with hypnosis. —Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

But his arrival shifts the film’s entire mood, as his baritone murmurings cast a sort of hypnosis on Clarence. —Beatrice Loayza, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025

How does hypnosis for a sugar addiction work? —Aviel Kanter, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hypnosis

• self-hypnosis

Rhymes for hypnosis

• cirrhosis
• fibrosis
• gliosis
• ichthyosis
• ketosis
• kurtosis
• lordosis
• meiosis
• miosis
• mitosis
• mycosis
• narcosis

Kids Definition

hypnosis

noun

hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs 

plural hypnoses -ˈnō-ˌsēz 

: a trancelike state resembling sleep that is caused in a person by another whose suggestions are readily accepted and acted upon by the person in this state

Etymology

scientific Latin hypnosis "hypnosis," derived from Greek hypnos "sleep," from Hypnos "the Greek god of sleep"

Medical Definition

hypnosis

noun

hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs 

plural hypnoses -ˌsēz 

1

: a trancelike state of altered consciousness that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject

2

: any of various conditions that resemble sleep

3

: hypnotism sense 1